United States Attorney Jenny A. Durkan
Western District of Washington

Two Vancouver, Washington Men Indicted For Gun Theft

Men Allegedly Broke in to Federally Licensed Gun Store and Stole 26 Firearms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2011

Two Vancouver, Washington men have been indicted by the grand jury in connection with the November 30, 2010 burglary of Discount Guns on Highway 99 in Vancouver, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. One of the defendants, NICHOLAS SOUTHARD, 21, is currently in state custody on unrelated charges. The second defendant, DANIEL McNETT, 22, was arrested on federal charges on December 5, 2011. Both men are charged with theft of firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), and possession and sale of stolen firearms. McNETT is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm due to his 2009 conviction for theft in Clark County, Washington. Trial is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on January 24, 2012.

According to the indictment, the men broke into Discount Guns and stole 26 firearms, including one rifle and 25 pistols of various makes and calibers. To date, eight of the guns have been recovered, and law enforcement is asking anyone with information to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1- 800-283-4867). The ATF continues to investigate the burglary, and prosecutors could bring additional charges against those who traffic or possess these stolen guns.

If convicted, the men face up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Crisham and Jill Otake.